On paper we had a strong batting line-up but, as is too often the case, we failed to make the most of it, being bowled out for 176 inside about 36 overs. It had been a promising start but wickets fell at first steadily and then in an all-out collapse.

Ben Stockton was the standout player, hitting a big, almost effortless, fifty, the only blemish being when he ran out Arivindan to end probably the highest partnership of the innings.

George was also run out and at least a couple of batsmen picked out the fielders with lofted shots of unnecessary risk given the match situation.

Our bowling was promising, particularly Sumant's opening burst and a tight period of pace from Stockton and Saunders before the latter had to leave the field with a migraine. Leg-spin twins Hussain and Howes both bowled some fantastic deliveries but found their loose ones punished, as did the rest of us.

The extra 50 or 100 runs that we should have made would have allowed us to exert scoreboard pressure, but our below-par 176 was too easy a total to chase on a good wicket with the fastest of outfields.

Some plus points: Well done to Mutz for opening the batting positively and taking a fine low slip catch; to Sumant for showing admirable responsibility with bat, ball and in the field; to Aravindan for keeping so tidily; and to Nugs for heroically replacing Saunders as a sub fielder.

At least by making 176 we got six batting points out of the match but, alas, no bowling points. Chigwell got the max 20 points available.

The quote of the day came from Ben Stockton: "I thought he was a dickhead but then I think everyone's a dickhead."

The match manager, who wasn't entirely impressed by the number of hangovers on display, said after the match: "Results haven't quite gone our way this season so far, but I'm sure some success is just around the corner." Let's hope so.